Kalaburagi, April 9 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Livelihood, and Raichur District In-charge, Sharanaprakash R. Patil, has asserted that the President of the All India Congress Committee, Mallikarjun Kharge, along with his son, Minister Priyank Kharge, has never been involved in any criminal activities. Instead, they have consistently worked towards strengthening society rather than dividing it.

In remarks made at his residence in Kalaburagi on Thursday, Patil emphasized that Mallikarjun Kharge has never personally attacked anyone, focusing solely on organizational matters.

Addressing the recent controversial comments made by Kharge, he clarified that the phrase about “crushing a poisonous snake” should be interpreted ideologically, indicating opposition to certain harmful ideologies.

Patil stated that attacking individuals is unjustifiable, and that Kharge’s remarks signify the necessity to challenge detrimental ideologies with awareness and understanding.

He further noted that Mallikarjun Kharge has led a highly transparent public life, treating everyone with warmth and respect.

“Throughout his six-decade political journey, Kharge has upheld principles in politics and has never fostered social unrest,” he added.

Patil accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of misinterpreting Kharge’s statements to the public. He remarked that such expressions are commonplace in political discussions, yet BJP leaders are attempting to frame them as significant misconduct.

“I firmly denounce the irresponsible comments made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and BJP leaders. It is inappropriate to make politically charged accusations while criticizing Mallikarjun Kharge’s statements,” Patil stated.

He recalled that previously, BJP leaders and PM Modi have labeled the Congress party as a terrorist organization. BJP leaders often criticize former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi and frequently make light of others; this is characteristic of the BJP’s culture, he remarked.

Earlier, during an election rally in Assam’s Sribhumi district on Monday, Kharge referenced the Quran, stating that if a poisonous snake is in front of someone, even if they are in the middle of praying, they must leave their prayers to eliminate that threat.

“I would argue that interrupting the prayer is inconsequential. The RSS and the BJP represent that poisonous snake,” remarked the Congress President.

Following the controversial ‘poisonous snake’ comment made by Mallikarjun Kharge and the defense provided by his son, the Karnataka BJP demanded that the Centre pursue legal action against both Congress leaders and send them to Tihar Jail.

Speaking to the press at the State BJP office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy made these assertions.